China Live

China Live, contemporary Chinese cuisine in Chinatown

China Live is a Chinese restaurant located in the Chinatown neighborhood of San Francisco. It was created by Chef George Chen, and its public presentation describes it as the most successful independent Chinese restaurant in the United States, in addition to having received accolades such as "Restaurant of the Year" from Eater San Francisco and "World's Greatest Places" from Time magazine. The establishment is conceived as a culinary destination that combines dining, bar, and shop in a single space.

The main dining hall and its culinary offering

The Main Dining Hall is the heart of the restaurant. Its offering is built around a seasonal menu with bold, clean flavors, crafted using sustainable, farm-to-table practices and personally curated by Chef Chen. The kitchen is organized into eight specialized stations that combine traditional Chinese preparations with modern techniques, and service takes place in open kitchens visible to diners.

Cold Drinks Bar

The Cold Drinks Bar is the complex's bar space, inspired by a legendary venue in Shanghai's old French Concession. It caters to an audience fond of select whiskeys and signature cocktails. Its design has received recognition, and among the cited accolades are "Cocktail of the Year" for the 'Sometimes Old Fashioned' cocktail and the #14 spot among the world's coolest bars according to MSN.

Shop and house-made products

China Live has a physical store and an online shop. The selection includes Asian spices, sauces and condiments, snacks, and kitchenware curated by Chef Chen and his partner and wife, Cindy Wong-Chen. Among the products made in the establishment's own kitchens are China Live Chili Bean Sauce, Chef Chen's Famous Chili Crisp, and Peking duck fat popcorn. The shop also offers gift cards and wholesale.

Private events and experiences

The restaurant offers event and private dining services, and its website allows reservations for both the restaurant and the bar. The Eight Tables by George Chen experience is presented as a tasting proposal built around nine essential flavors of Chinese cuisine, associated with the number eight for its auspicious value in Chinese culture. The site also announces a monthly pop-up in Marin.

Services and contact channels

China Live offers dine-in service, pickup, and delivery, with the option of advance reservations. The menu can be viewed online, and an allergen guide is published. The establishment shares editorial content on Chinese cooking and culinary culture on its blog, with articles on hot pots, Chinese charcuterie, breads and baos, and Chinese noodles, among other topics.

Location and contact

644 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133 · Phone: (415) 788-8188